The 2018-19 UEFA Champions League returns on February 12 as the final 16 teams fight for a place in the quarterfinals. The tournament started in June with the preliminary rounds.
79 teams started off fighting for a place in Madrid in June. Yet, 63 of those clubs have been left by the wayside. The competition can be followed on Bet-NJ.com and football fans can stay up to date on the latest odds.
Of the 16 teams left in the competition, a few club standout more than others. Previous winners, mega-rich clubs, and star-studded teams make up the final group.
Which football club will win the 2018-19 Champions League?
Manchester City
Manchester City has been considered the favourite since the tournament proper kicked off in September.
The Cityzens have been fantastic at times this term, yet around the holiday season, they hit a snag. Pep Guardiola’s team lost three of four Premier League matches dropping from the top of the table to third.
Manchester City have their eyes on the Champions League trophy and would gladly focus on the competition. They will face Germany’s Schalke in the last 16. A very generous draw on paper.
Barcelona
Barcelona had little trouble getting through the group stage once more. Lionel Messi carried the team through games during the group stage at times as he continues to be the most influential footballer in Spain.
Barcelona were knocked out of the tournament at the quarterfinals stage last term after Roma’s incredible second leg comeback. Despite Messi scoring goals, Barcelona have their issues.
Barcelona will benefit from playing Lyon in the next round. Despite Lyon taking four points from Manchester City in the group stage, they will struggle to beat Barcelona.
Juventus
The Old Lady of Italian Football signed Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer to get them over the hump in the Champions League.
Juventus have come so close in recent years, but ultimately missed out on the big prize. Juventus were already strong, but with Ronaldo scoring and creating goals, they are nearly unstoppable.
Juventus have a difficult tie in the last 16 against Atletico Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain
So much star power, yet still vulnerable, that is Paris Saint-Germain in a nutshell. PSG may be wiping the floor with the competition in Ligue 1, but the Champions League has been another story.
Despite the power of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Liverpool and Napoli both took points off PSG in the group stage. PSG have issues defensively and when things get tough in matches, Neymar and Mbappe have not come to the fore.
PSG will play Manchester United in the last 16, and most experts believe they will humiliate the Red Devils.
Liverpool
Liverpool will face German champions Bayern Munich in the last 16. The Reds are flying high in the Premier League, and much of their focus could be on winning a first domestic title in 29 years.
Jurgen Klopp’s team made the final last term, but away form in the tournament continues to be a major issue. If Liverpool can get past Bayern, anything can happen, but they must first defeat an extremely difficult side.
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